Smart home upgrades aren’t always top-of-mind for many sellers in today’s real estate market. Many look to invest in home improvement projects that pay off in the short-term with the best bang for their buck. A fresh coat of paint. New plants for curb appeal. Modern appliances. But the best home improvements to invest in might not be these typical choices. If you’re looking to sell your house, you might want to consider adding smart home products.
Smart Home Upgrades
As smart home technology has become more mainstream, buyers expect these types of gadgets. Eighty-one percent of people would be more likely to buy a home if smart technology was already installed.* And new smart home upgrades aren’t just appealing to younger buyers. Interest in home automation gadgets crosses generations and income levels.
One of the easiest smart home upgrades is to add a smart thermostat. Easy to install and managed through mobile apps, Wi-Fi thermostats are also compatible with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Wink home platforms.
Another easy project is to add smart lighting, which can be as simple as screwing in a new Wi-Fi-enabled bulb. Advanced lock technology can give the buyer the impression of heightened safety and security. All of these products can also help you to monitor a vacant home and give your real estate agent more selling points.
In a recent study, nearly one-third of 2015 homebuyer respondents plan on adding home automation gadgets to their new homes. But only 1 in 5 of those planning on selling in 2016 intend to add any smart home upgrades.** Don’t miss out on an opportunity to differentiate your home in this competitive real estate market.
